Devine Scripture

John 4:40

What does John 4:40 mean?

A plain-English look at John 4:40 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What John 4:40 means

When the Samaritans came to Jesus, they earnestly requested Him to stay with them, and He graciously accepted, remaining for two days. This invitation and Jesus' compliance demonstrate their eager receptiveness and His willingness to extend His ministry beyond conventional Jewish boundaries. His continuing presence among them allowed for deeper teaching and confirmed His inclusive mission, building on the initial spark of faith.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

So when the Samaritans came unto him, they besought him to abide with them: and he abode there two days.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

So when the Samaritans were come unto him, they besought him that he would tarry with them: and he abode there two days.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

So when the Samaritans came unto him, they besought him to abide with them: and he abode there two days.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

So when the people came to him they made request to him to be among them for a time, and he was there two days.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

When, then, the Samaritans came unto him, they were asking him to remain with them, and he remained there two days;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

So when the Samaritans were come to him, they desired that he would tarry there. And he abode there two days.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

When therefore the Samaritans came to him they asked him to abide with them, and he abode there two days.

Context

This verse describes the Samaritans' eager invitation for Jesus to stay, following their initial belief based on the woman's testimony. It immediately follows their belief in verse 39. Jesus' decision to remain with them signifies His acceptance of their faith and His commitment to nurturing it further, leading to an even greater expansion of belief, as detailed in the subsequent verse.

v.39And from that city many of the Samaritans believed on him because of the word of the woman, who testified, He told me all things thateverI did.

v.40This passage

v.41And many more believed because of his word;

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Proverbs 4:13

    Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: Keep her; for she is thy life.

  • Genesis 32:26

    And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me.

  • Revelation 3:20

    Behold, I stand at the door and knock: if any man hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

  • Luke 24:29

    And they constrained him, saying, Abide with us; for it is toward evening, and the day is now far spent. And he went in to abide with them.

  • Acts 16:15

    And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us.

  • 2 Corinthians 6:1

    And working together with him we entreat also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore John 4

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on John 4.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to John 4:40.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary